Easy Chicken and Rice Stir-Fry Recipe

Keyword: Easy Chicken and Rice Stir-Fry

Sometimes life gets busy, and you just need a quick, easy recipe that can be prepared in no time at all. Enter the versatile Easy Chicken and Rice Stir-Fry. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple to make, making it perfect for those days when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Servings: 4 servings
Cooking time: 20 minutes including preparation

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
• 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain is preferable)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 3 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: Start by cooking your rice. In a medium saucepan, add water or chicken broth and bring it to a boil over high heat. Stir in the rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 18 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken by coating the sliced strips with cornstarch and set aside. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and stir-fry until fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
3. Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to the remaining oil and sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant.
4. Mix Everything Together: Add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry them for about two minutes. Then mix in the cooked rice. Return the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet with any accumulated juices from the plate.
5. Finish it Off: Pour in the chicken broth, add a bit more soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Let everything simmer together until heated through – about 5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add another tablespoon or so of cornstarch mixed with water before adding it to the skillet.
6. Serve: Once everything is nicely combined and heated up, garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The total calories per serving are approximately 510 kcal. This includes proteins from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and healthy fats from olive oil. Nutritional values can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Why Choose Chicken and Rice Stir-Fry?

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It provides a balanced mix of protein (chicken), carbohydrates (rice), and vitamins & minerals from the vegetables, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet healthy.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stir-Fry

• For best results, make sure your rice is fully cooked before adding to the stir-fry. Cold grains can result in an undercooked dish.
• If possible, use a wok instead of a skillet as it distributes heat more evenly, resulting in better texture for all ingredients.
• You can customize this recipe according to personal taste preferences. For instance, you could replace bell peppers with other favorite vegetables like broccoli or carrots.

Conclusion

The Easy Chicken and Rice Stir-Fry is more than just a simple meal; it’s an easy way to enjoy a healthy yet flavorful dish anytime you need something quick. Whether you're looking for a weekday dinner or want to impress guests on the weekend, this recipe will surely fit into your routine. Enjoy cooking and eating!